Wine

Three Sommelier of the Year Alum Pick the Best at the Upcoming Van Wine Fest

Experts pick the best of the fest.

By Neal McLennan /

Taittinger – Shane Taylor, SOTY 2018

“I adore blanc de blancs because of the finesse and laser-focused precision and elegance of the Champagne-only blend. I worship Comtes and consider it one of the finest examples of blanc de blancs.”

Charles Heidsieck and Piper Heidsieck – Sebastien le Goff, SOTY 2006

These two Champagne houses were purchased a few years ago by a group who also recently purchased Biondi-Santi in Tuscany, and the investment in the vineyards and the winery has been colossal and ambitious. Now we shall see some great improvement in the wines.

Jean-Luc Colombo -— Jill Spoor, SOTY 2017

Wines of this region already have my heart, but his Condrieu is something to behold, a wine from the heavens. I can’t wait to taste the lineup.